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‘Heartbeat of the Super Bowl’: Indigenous artist showcases massive mural downtown
The radiant colors of pink, orange and purple showcasing artwork unique to Arizona’s 22 tribal nations can not be missed on Washington Street in downtown Phoenix, as a massive mural greets spectators in honor of the Super Bowl. “This 95,000-square-foot mural is the heartbeat of (the) Super Bowl,” said Daphine Wood, director of events for […]
Department of Interior funds 5 tribal water rights settlements in Arizona
Several tribal nations will start seeing some funding as part of their water rights settlements, as the U.S. Department of the Interior has allocated nearly $580 million to start fulfilling Indian water rights claims. “Water is a sacred resource, and water rights are crucial to ensuring the health, safety, and empowerment of Tribal communities,” Secretary […]
NAU commits $10M grant to implement initiatives focused on success of Indigenous students
Northern Arizona University has committed funding to implement several new initiatives across campus to help Indigenous students, promote traditional knowledge and establish partnerships with tribal entities. The Seven Generations Signature Initiative (7GSI) will present seven strategic priorities for the next several years, NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera told the Arizona Mirror. Rivera added that […]
San Carlos Apache Tribe receives funding to address contaminated environmental sites
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is set to receive more than $166,000 in funding to help it address contaminated brownfield sites that threaten environmental and public health of the tribe. The funding comes from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law passed last year, and was inserted into the legislation by Arizona Sens. Kyrsten Sinema […]
The Navajo Nation has lifted its mask mandate, fully reopening to the public
Almost three years after it was instituted to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Navajo Nation has lifted its mask mandate, making mask use optional in public spaces and businesses for the general public. By removing the mask mandate, the Navajo Nation is now considered fully reopened to the general public. “It’s time for the […]
Survivors, descendants of federal Indian boarding schools share experiences
Sitting on a chair in the middle of a crowded gym, Hopi woman Pershlie Ami talked softly into the microphone to share her experience about going to Phoenix Indian School when she was a kid. “I don’t speak my language, I don’t know my culture as well as I would like to, and that was […]
Tribal leaders advocate for the state’s support during tribal nations day
Dozens of people from tribal nations across Arizona gathered this week at the state Capitol to celebrate Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day. “Arizona is a stronger state because of the 22 federally recognized tribes found here,” state Senate President Warren Petersen said during his speech.“As we enter the first week of the 56th legislative […]
Buu Nygren becomes youngest Navajo president, Richelle Montoya becomes the first woman VP
New Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren and Vice President Richelle Montoya were sworn into office Tuesday, along with the Council delegates who were elected in November. Throughout the ceremony, incoming and former tribal leaders discussed the importance of moving forward and working for the Navajo people to better the future of the Navajo Nation. “If […]
Hobbs highlights Arizona’s Indigenous people, history during inauguration
Seeing Arizona Tribes spotlighted during Governor Katie Hobbs’s inauguration ceremony was refreshing for local tribal advocates, and it affirms Hobbs’s commitment to upholding relationships with tribal nations. “This is exactly the moment that we have been waiting for,” said Indivisible Tohono Co-Founder April Ignacio of Hobbs becoming governor. “It’s not overwhelming. It’s a fresh breath […]
Havasupai Tribe to receive federal funds for severe flood damage
Due to flooding, the Havasupai Tribe declared a major disaster within their community and requested federal aid to address the damages. “On October 1, 2022, the Tribe also experienced severe flooding, which destroyed several bridges and trails that are needed not only for our tourists, but the everyday movement of goods and services into Supai […]
Pascua Yaqui Tribe to get cultural land back
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is getting a portion of land back that is culturally significant to the tribe after the U.S. Senate passed the Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Tuesday. Pascua Yaqui Chairman Peter Yucupicio applauded the bill’s passing, saying it was a great day […]
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples study committee produces list of recommendations
After hearing from Indigenous community members about how the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis has impacted them, the Arizona House Ad Hoc Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples outlined new recommendations for addressing the issue. “Missing and murdered Indigenous peoples is an issue that has touched many lives,” said Committee Chair and state […]